From a rookie team perspective, the physical build of the drive base is very well documented; two videos and great instructions. The control system has been another story.
The WPI step-by-step instructions are a mess. We have 2 PhD CS mentors who can’t figure some of the stuff out because the documentation is missing important details, e.g. the radio set-up instructions never mention that you hook up TWO cords to the radio in the firmware flash process. There is even still stuff about NetBeans in there! This is both frustrating in terms of mentor retention for next year and for the kids when we’re “stuck” and can’t make any progress.
Fortunately we have an experienced team nearby we can go to for help, but we don’t want to be a burden on them either. There is also the forum, but diagnosing issues in this format can often be painfully slow. In short, I feel FIRST has done a great job with the drive base instructions, but needs to do a much better job documenting the control system aspect of the build.
Don’t fear burdening other teams. They receive as much benefit from helping you as you receive from the help. Also remember that these steps will eventually seem simple. The rookie year is just a try out year for many teams. Don’t stress too much. It will be okay.
@mycoleptodiscus Rookie teams are never a burden on veteran teams that are local to them! Never hesitate to reach out and ask for help from any of the local teams to St. Paul and the surrounding areas. I am sure too, if you need the assistance, you would be able to “borrow” a mentor from any of those teams to walk with your team through the rest of the build season and competitions.
It looks as if within 10 miles of your team (based on zip code 55108) there are 50 other FRC teams, and a FRC Senior Mentor based out of Minnesota, her name is Laurie Shimizu and here is her Email. Contact her if you would like some assistance or guidance and she can put your team in touch with the resources you are looking for, as that is her role.